The Team Behind the Scenes
The success of all Rogers Centre Ottawa events relies on our team of passionate event professionals and leaders.
Board of Directors
Jim Armour
Chair
Debra Armstrong
Board Member
Cynthia Bland
Board Member
Michael Crockatt
Board Member
Yilong Ma
Board Member
Ann Matejicka
Board Member
Jagdeep Perhar
Board Member
Stéphanie Plante
Board Member
Fred Sherman
Board Member
Kay Stanley
Board Member
Jim Armour
Chair
Jim Armour is a Vice President at Summa and has extensive knowledge of media relations, communications, advocacy, and advertising. His broad skill set allows clients to take an integrated approach to achieve their objectives.
Before joining Summa, Mr. Armour served as Director of Communications and Marketing at the Canadian Medical Association. He played a crucial role in their efforts to improve access, reduce wait times, and address Canada’s doctor shortage.
Mr. Armour worked on Parliament Hill from 1994 to 2000 and 2002 to 2005. He was the Communications Director for two Leaders of the Official Opposition and helped brand the launch of the Canadian Alliance and the Conservative Party of Canada. Jim’s interest in marketing strategy and tactics was furthered by his two years with one of Atlantic Canada’s top advertising agencies.
Originally from St. John’s, Newfoundland, Mr. Armour has a B.A. (Hons) from McGill and an M.A. in Newfoundland History from Memorial University. He also earned his APR accreditation from the Canadian Public Relations Society and a CAAP designation from the Institute of Communication Agencies.
Outside of the office, Jim serves on the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario boards, the Canadian Pharmacists Association, and the Gambling Research Exchange of Ontario. He also sits on the editorial board of the International Journal of Communication in Healthcare.
Debra Armstrong
Board Member
Skate Canada’s Chief Executive Officer, Debra Armstrong, is a lawyer by trade. Before joining Skate Canada, she served as Chief Executive Officer of MBNA Canada Bank and Senior Vice President at Toronto Dominion Bank following TD’s acquisition of MBNA. Debra has developed considerable experience in business transformations throughout her career.
She has strong governance experience and is a past member of the Board of Governors at Carleton University, where she also Chaired its Audit and Finance Committee.
Past directorships include the Royal Ottawa Foundation for Mental Health and Volleyball Canada. She is currently a co-chair of the Winter Sport Caucus Group and serves on the Nominating Committee of the Canadian Olympic Committee.
Cynthia Bland
Board Member
Cynthia is the Founder and CEO of Voice Found, an organization with a mission to prevent child sexual abuse and human trafficking.
Before founding Voice Found, Cynthia enjoyed a successful career in senior sales, marketing, and education roles. Cynthia is intimately familiar with the many challenges and opportunities of delivering conferences and events. She has first-hand experience successfully managing several events internationally and domestically.
Cynthia’s leadership and innovation have been recognized by organizations and individuals alike. She is a winner of the Wise 50 over 50 awards, named a ‘KickAss’ Canadian, and a recipient of the 2020-2021 Attorney General’s Victim Services Award.
Michael Crockatt
Board Member
Michael is a recognized leader in tourism and aviation in Canada. Before joining Ottawa Tourism, Michael served as Senior Vice President with InterVISTAS Consulting. He was responsible for the firm’s airline, air service development, and tourism practices in Canada.
Michael has over 15 years of experience at the management level with two of Canada’s major airports: the Winnipeg Airports Authority and the Ottawa International Airport Authority.
Michael is very active within the tourism industry and other business groups. He is a Board member of the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce and the Ottawa International Hockey Festival. Michael serves as a member of the Program Advisory Committee for the Bachelor of Tourism & Hospitality Management Degree Program at Algonquin College. He has also been a Board member of the Ottawa 2017 Bureau, Invest Ottawa, the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC), Ottawa Tourism, and Ottawa’s Tourism Development Council.
In 2017, Michael was elected a Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society. He is a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, recognizing his contributions to Canada. Michael’s business leadership and volunteerism have been formally recognized by many stakeholders, such as Airport Business Magazine, the Ottawa Business Journal, and Ottawa’s tourism industry.
Michael has a Master’s degree in Geography from the University of Manitoba and is a Certified Barbecue Judge.
Yilong Ma
Board Member
Yilong is a broker at Coldwell Bankers Sarazen Realty and the president of a not-for-profit organization called the Canada Sichuan Cultural Exchange Centre. A successful businesswoman, Yilong has more than 12 years of international entrepreneurial experience.
She brings a unique set of skills and knowledge to the table. A seasoned veteran in world-class event planning, Yilong has organized dozens of major events, with numbers of attendees exceeding 100,000.
She is also an established member of the food industry. Yilong was a successful restaurateur, and she operated multiple restaurants in both Canada and overseas. She is currently providing cuisine consulting to businesses looking to invest in the Canadian market.
Yilong is passionate about connecting people by exchanging food, culture, and ideas. She has won multiple awards for her contribution to her community.
Ann Matejicka
Board Member
Ann Matejicka grew up in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and moved to Ottawa in 2001. She is the Sr. Legislative and Government Affairs Representative for the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA Canada) with extensive experience in government relations, labour relations, advocacy, policy development, issues management, and strategic communications.
Ms. Matejicka has a passion for public service and before joining ALPA, Int’l, she has worked in the Federal Public Service and on Parliament Hill (2001-2015). Initially working for a Member of Parliament and then in the Office of the Leader of the Official Opposition up until 2006, Ms. Matejicka went on to serve in numerous Ministerial offices in senior roles including Director of Communications, Director of Issues Management, and Chief of Staff for close to a decade.
Ms. Matejicka has been an active volunteer over the last number of years serving as Chair of the Parent School Council of her children’s school, as well as Team Manager for their competitive basketball team. She has also served as a Board Member and Executive Member of a federal political riding association.
Ms. Matejicka has a B.A. (Political Science) from the University of Winnipeg; and a Diploma (Creative Communications) from Red River College.
Jagdeep Perhar
Board Member
Jagdeep is a Royal Lepage Team Realty broker and the President and CEO of Multicorp Realty Inc, a property management company managing a real estate portfolio of over $50M.
He is actively involved in community service and currently serves as chair of the advisory committee for Indo Canada Ottawa Business Chamber (ICOBC) and on the board of directors of the Barrhaven Business Improvement Area (BBIA) and the Queensway Carleton Hospital Foundation (QCHF).
He is also a member of the H.M. Tory Society of Carleton University, and in 2016 he was inducted as “the Knight” in the Order of St. George. Jagdeep is an active supporter of, and regular contributor to, the Ottawa Heart and Stroke Foundation, Shelter foundation, the Ottawa Sikh Society, the Liver foundation, the Queensway Carleton Hospital and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).
He is also a lifetime Patron of the University of Ottawa Heart Institute. His community service and dedication to society have made him a proud recipient of the “Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal” from the Governor General of Canada, “The Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers” by the Governor General of Canada, “The Volunteer Service Award” by Govt or Ontario and the Lifetime award of excellence from Royal Lepage.
Stéphanie Plante
Board Member
Stéphanie grew up in Southwestern Ontario and moved to Ottawa in 2004. She has spent her entire career promoting and protecting our democratic institutions and infrastructure.
She is passionate about Rideau-Vanier and the well-being of those who need a helping hand and worked closely with public health outreach to assist with the pandemic response in Rideau-Vanier.
A resident of Ward 12 for almost 20 years and proud francophone, she has led committees and advocated for numerous programs and human rights organizations, including Twice Upon a Time, Action Sandy Hill, the Parent’s Council at Francojeunesse, Refugee613, Take Me Outside, Run Ottawa, Equal Voice, and others. In 2017, she acted as a surrogate for an LGBTQIA+ couple.
Stéphanie cares deeply about walkable, safe, and green neighbourhoods and ensuring that we have spaces and places that welcome everyone. In 2020, in consultation with Inuit and First Nations communities, Stéphanie led the naming of the Annie Pootoogook Park and oversaw the first celebration of World Inuit Day.
Stéphanie holds a Master’s in Political Science from the University of Windsor and has taught a course on municipal governance for two years at the Faculty of Common Law at the University of Ottawa. She currently lives in Sandy Hill with her family.
Fred Sherman
Board Member
Fred Sherman believes that “…the most meaningful way to succeed is to help others succeed.”
A seasoned public affairs professional, he brings world-class expertise in public policy, change management, collaborative leadership and tactical engagement.
He is the Principal of Hill Solutions, through which he helps individuals and organizations successfully navigate 21st-century change. His portfolio includes national-scale initiatives for Canada’s Digital Policy Forum, the Public Service Commission, the Treasury Board, Health Canada, National Defence and the Parliament of Canada. He counsels political stakeholders, public servants, business executives and academic institutions.
Notably, he is the only person to have crafted BOTH the historic 1995 Black History Month and the 2014 Lincoln Alexander Day motions unanimously adopted by the Parliament of Canada.
Fred has served on community boards, including the University of Windsor Board of Governors, the United Way, the Social Planning Council of Ottawa, and Leadership Ottawa. He co-founded a University of Ottawa Law Faculty Endowment Fund and coached youth in the Gloucester Cumberland Basketball Association.
A University of Windsor alumnus, Fred Sherman is the partner to Denise Siele and proud father to Fred Sherman III.
Kay Stanley
Board Member
Kay is an energetic change agent with extensive experience within educational and governmental environments. She has demonstrated leadership in both professional and voluntary organizations.
As a skilled communicator, Kay has a solid track record advocating for humanitarian values and professional ethics.
Kay has held many leadership positions, including Assistant Deputy Minister at the Treasury Board Secretariat, Assistant Deputy Minister at the Health Promotion and Programs Branch, and Assistant Deputy Solicitor General of Canada. In addition, she has held leadership roles in various professional associations, such as the President of the Association of Professional Executives of the Public Service of Canada and the President of the Teachers’ Federation of Carleton.
Kay’s achievements include creating a 1,100-member amalgamated elementary teachers’ federation and organizing the Overseas Teachers’ Association working on behalf of the Department of National Defence. Kay’s humanitarian efforts included leading Canadian delegations to international conferences hosted by the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, the Commonwealth Secretariat for Women’s Affairs, and the InterAmerican Commission for Women, among many others.
Kay has contributed to the community through her numerous volunteer roles. She worked alongside organizations such as the National Capital Commission, KILMORIE Heritage Society, May Court Hospice, Governor General’s Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case, and the Ottawa Hospital Board of Governors. Kay was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers in recognition of her significant, sustained, and unpaid contributions to her community.
Staff
Nina Kressler
President & CEO
Dan Young
Vice-President, COO and CFO
Loretta Briard
General Manager
Carly Grace
Vice-President of Sales
Kim Brown
Director of Finance & Administration
Josh Verch
Director of Marketing and Partnerships
Alexandra Tanguay
Director of Events
Amanda Young
Director of Hospitality Services
Patrick Turcot
Executive Chef
Matthew Blackburn
Senior Account Manager, Convention Sales
Karen Wiersma
Senior Account Manager, Convention Sales
Helen Bird
Account Manager, Convention Sales
Adam Hassen
Account Manager, Local Sales
Krynn Wrigley
Account Manager, Local Sales
Trisha Richardson
Marketing & Partnerships Manager
Monalisa Pedlar
Executive Assistant
Blake Rainville
Senior Manager of Facilities
Drew McCoy
Manager of Facilities
Ngozi Iloabuchi
Human Resource Manager
Greg Giek
Events Services Manager
Kyla Orr
Event Services Manager
Jawad Alami
Event Services Manager
Heidi Danson
Event Services Manager
Georgia Gauthier
Event Services Manager
Ajeena Alias
Event Services Manager
Lee King
Application Support Analyst
Gabrielle Plesko
Event Services Coordinator
Kaasi Muthiah
Sales Coordinator
Heather Lyall
Graphic Design Coordinator
Sharon Cholette
Administrative Coordinator
Nina Kressler
President & CEO
Nina assumed the role of President and CEO of the Shaw Centre on June 1, 2015. Prior to her appointment, Nina was the General Manager of the Centre’s Food and Facilities operation managed by Aramark Sports and Entertainment.
A native of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Nina has over 30 years of senior management experience in hotels, convention centres, food and beverage and gaming. With experience in B2B and B2C sales and operations, Nina has led teams in all areas of the hospitality and corporate function.
Nina began her career with Sheraton Hotels in Halifax as Director of Sales and Marketing and progressed to more senior roles as Vice President, Sales and Marketing with Trade Centre Limited in Halifax, Vice President of Business Development with the Toronto Congress Centre before moving to Ottawa to join the Shaw Centre.
In 2019, Nina achieved her ICD.D designation and currently serves on the board of Ottawa Tourism as Director, and Chair of Ottawa Tourism’s Finance Committee, Chair, Convention Centres of Canada, and Chair, Tourism Industry Association of Canada. Nina is a volunteer speaker at McGill and Concordia University as well as a volunteer at the annual Royal Hospital Fundraiser for Mental Health.
Nina’s passion for always delivering exceptional customer experiences is engrained in her DNA and reflects in the Shaw Centre achieving the Service Excellence Award at the 2016 Ontario Business Achievement Awards and the prestigious award from AIPC in 2021 as the Best Convention Centre in the World voted upon by clientele from across the globe.
Dan Young
Vice-President, COO and CFO
Dan has been with the Shaw Centre since 2002 (formerly named the Ottawa Congress Centre and Ottawa Convention Centre) and currently holds the position of Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer.
Dan was responsible for formulating the financial benefits of the new Shaw Centre. Before joining the Shaw Centre, Dan worked for several organizations in the Ottawa region. Dan acquired his CMA designation in 1995.
Loretta Briard
General Manager
Loretta has been with the Shaw Centre for over 25 years (formerly named the Ottawa Congress Centre and Ottawa Convention Centre) and held the role of Director of Events.
In 2015, she became the Shaw Centre’s General Manager. Her passion for the hospitality industry began at 14 when she was bussing tables as a part-time job, and she has never wavered from this career path. Loretta’s drive to become a member of this profession led her to an education in Hospitality Management & Food Nutrition Management.
She leads a team diverse in personalities and skills, and she is proud to be part of such an inspired group. Every event is unique, and Loretta likes the challenge of making it the perfect fit at the Shaw Centre. She enjoys taking advantage of the Shaw Centre’s leading-edge technology and service abilities.
Loretta enjoys a good glass of port and time spent with family and close friends. She loves taking a day trip to local towns and communities to explore their unique heritage, charm and food.
Carly Grace
Vice-President of Sales
Carly was born in Ottawa but spent most of her childhood overseas. She completed her undergraduate at Queen’s University and promptly moved to Whistler, where her passion for the hospitality industry began.
While working for The Westin Resort & Spa, Whistler, she concurrently completed her Master of Business Administrative through Guelph University. Upon completing her MBA, Carly was offered a position with Vancouver Organizing Committee during the 2010 Olympic Games, managing emergency response planning for both athletes’ villages. Following the Olympics, Carly returned to Ottawa to be closer to her family and quickly re-established herself at The Westin Ottawa. Throughout her career with the Westin, Carly held the positions of Sales Manager, Event Manager, Director of Group Sales and Director of Events.
Before joining the Shaw Centre in December 2019, Carly took on the Director of Sales role with JPdL, a local destination management company. Carly’s work experience has been dedicated to delivering incredible guest experiences and exceeding client expectations.
Carly enjoys swimming, dabbling in the world of triathlons, hitting the gym, and spending quality time with her family and friends.
Kim Brown
Director of Finance & Administration
Kim joined the Shaw Centre in the Controller role in July 2019, where she continues to pursue her passion for finance and accounting.
She enjoys reading, volunteering, and staying active.
Kim is a proud Ottawan who has lived most of her life in the Nation’s Capital. After starting her career with the Federal Government, she worked at various organizations, including Cosmic Adventures, Source for Sports, Calian, Algonquin College, VON Canada, CBC, and Family Services Ottawa. She was admitted into membership of the Certified General Accountants of Canada in 2014 and maintained her membership with CPA Canada.
Josh Verch
Director of Marketing and Partnerships
Josh was born and raised in the Ottawa Valley before moving to Ottawa to complete a diploma at Algonquin College in Business Administration and a post-graduate diploma in Sports Business Management. Josh relocated to Toronto after graduation and worked at Tennis Canada for the Rogers Cup and the Ontario Cycling Association before returning to Ottawa to take a position as Manager of Partnerships with Canada Soccer.
At Canada Soccer, Josh was responsible for building relationships with organizational partners and generating value on their behalf during various events throughout the year. After nearly five years at Canada Soccer, he accepted a sales position at Festival Promotions to expand his portfolio of skills. At Festival Promotions, Josh developed and managed an extensive client base, including several large-scale Canadian brands.
When Josh isn’t building business relationships, he enjoys travelling with his wife and keeping active. As a sports enthusiast, Josh spends his free time exploring Ottawa by bicycle in the summer and takes advantage of Ottawa’s wonderful cross-country skiing trails during the winter.
Alexandra Tanguay
Director of Events
Alexandra was born in Germany and has called the Capital region home for over 20 years. Her passion for events started early when she worked as a Banquet Server for weddings and social functions at a local ski resort.
Alexandra graduated from Algonquin College with a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management, leading to her first event management roles at the Embassy West Hotel and the former Delta Ottawa Hotel and Suites.
As a former Event Services Manager at the Shaw Centre, Alexandra worked on various exciting events, including the Grey Cup, the Ottawa Gatineau International Auto Show, and multiple events of all scales.
Now overseeing the planning department at the Shaw Centre, Alexandra is thrilled to ensure that every event at the Shaw Centre is a success.
On weekends, you can find Alexandra spending time with her family or planning her next trip worldwide.
Amanda Young
Director of Hospitality Services
Amanda is originally from outside of St. John’s, Newfoundland. Her love for hospitality and adventure brought her to the Rocky Mountains, where she worked at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge for nine years. In Jasper, Amanda took on many leadership roles throughout the hotel, which helped her build a foundation in customer service and managing events.
In 2014, Amanda moved to Ottawa and started working at the Shaw Centre in the Operations Department and, most recently, as the Senior Operations Manager. Over the past five years, she has been a dedicated team member and has managed many events, including the 2017 Grey Cup and the Juno Awards. Amanda is delighted to take the next step by overseeing some of the most exciting events in the City as the Operations Department.
Amanda enjoys making pottery, travelling, and volunteering at the Ottawa Food Bank in her spare time.
Patrick Turcot
Executive Chef
Patrick Turcot, a Quebec-born Executive Chef with a wealth of culinary experience, brings a remarkable background to the table. Starting his journey at the Institute of Tourism and Hospitality of Quebec, Chef Turcot discovered his love for cooking as a teenager.
His culinary journey includes notable achievements, such as earning a pro-level Chef 2 certification from the Culinary Institute of America. He also serves on the boards of Algonquin College and la Cité College, showcasing his dedication to culinary education. Additionally, he’s a member of Chaine des Rotisseurs, highlighting his commitment to culinary excellence.
Chef Turcot’s career has taken him to esteemed establishments across North America, including Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Chateau Frontenac, Fairmont Hotel Macdonald, Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, and Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu. Drawing inspiration from his travels, Chef Turcot’s cuisine blends classical French techniques with contemporary influences. His time in Arizona allowed him to experiment with regional flavors, while in Quebec, he became a passionate advocate for local producers and culinary tourism.
In summary, Chef Patrick Turcot’s journey is marked by a love for cooking, a dedication to education, and a passion for promoting local cuisine, making him a respected figure in the culinary industry.
Matthew Blackburn
Senior Account Manager, Convention Sales
Born in Montreal and raised in Toronto, Matt relocated to Ottawa over ten years ago after completing a business diploma from Seneca College.
He furthered his education by obtaining a degree in communications at Wilfrid Laurier University. Matt brings over 20 years of experience in the service and hospitality industry, including five years as an Account Manager with a Toronto-based marketing company. He also played a role in opening restaurants in St. John’s, Newfoundland, and Ottawa.
Before joining Shaw Centre, Matthew was a vital part of the management team at Nordstrom. Matthew developed excellent customer service skills and a commitment to providing above-and-beyond experiences during his time there.
Matt joined the team at the Shaw Centre in 2016 as a Local Sales Manager and worked his way up to his current position as National Account Manager specializing in SMERF and Corporate markets. His familiarity with the building – and its operations – make him a knowledgeable team member. Today, Matthew applies his knowledge of business and management when planning events.
When Matthew is not busy creating extraordinary events, you can catch him at the many live sporting events around the city or spending time with his family.
Karen Wiersma
Senior Account Manager, Convention Sales
Karen graduated from the Algonquin College Hotel and Restaurant Program, where her passion for the hospitality industry began.
She spent a year in the industry in Banff but ultimately returned to Ottawa to be closer to her family. Having spent over 18 years working at various hotels in Ottawa, Karen has gained experience in the front desk departments, reservations management, and as a Conference Services Manager for 6 of those years. Karen found herself in a sales role at the Delta Ottawa Hotel and Suites, where she learned what it takes to surpass client expectations.
In her spare time, you can find Karen at the dog park with her dog Bayler or entertaining family and friends. Karen is also an avid sports fan cheering on Ottawa Senators and Ottawa Redblacks!
Helen Bird
Account Manager, Convention Sales
Helen is originally from Guelph, Ontario. She made her way to Ottawa after being accepted to Carleton University. She fell in love with the city and has remained here ever since.
Helen has worked in the hospitality industry for most of her professional life. To kick start her career, she gained employment with Westin Ottawa, where she worked for 21 years as a Sales Manager. She is well versed in markets such as; SMERF, Tour & Travel, and Government.
Helen thrives in a fast-paced sales environment, making the convention sales market a perfect fit. Helen loves all aspects of event planning and has planned events from start to finish. She’s also worked as an Account Manager for other prominent players in the hospitality industry, such as the Sheraton Ottawa.
Helen loves to be creative. You’ll find her making all kinds of arts and crafts and knitting slippers, hats, and mittens that she makes for all her family and friends. She is also an avid baker! Growing up, Helen spent time with her grandmother, who worked in a bakery and taught her how to make the perfect loaf of bread and other delicious pastries. You’ll find her curled up on the couch watching her favourite Netflix shows with her three daughters.
Adam Hassen
Account Manager, Local Sales
Adam grew up in a small town in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) before heading to Toronto for post-secondary education. After obtaining his degree, he returned to school to complete a Post-Grad Diploma in Sport and Event Marketing, which led to career opportunities at MEC and the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) before joining the Shaw Centre team.
Adam organized road races, cycling events, and triathlons at MEC around the GTA. While in Toronto, he had the pleasure of coaching Varsity Cross Country at George Brown and the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM). As a runner, he was voted MVP for four years and was named coach of the year at UTM in his last year of coaching.
At CCS, he worked with youth across Eastern Ontario. He helped plan Relay for Life events from start to finish by empowering and teaching youth about philanthropy and raising millions of dollars for cancer research and support services.
Adam relocated to Ottawa with his partner and daughter; he loves that Ottawa has so much to offer his family. He enjoys the outdoors, whether for a round of golf, playing softball, pickup basketball, or going for hikes. He describes himself as an extrovert who likes to meet new people and doesn’t shy away from new experiences!
Krynn Wrigley
Account Manager, Local Sales
Born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie, Krynn relocated to Ottawa over 15 years ago to pursue studies in Hotel Restaurant Management and Business Marketing at Algonquin College.
She brings over 20 years of experience in the service and hospitality industry, including 10 years working at the Ottawa Hunt and Golf Club as part of the team that brought the LPGAs to Ottawa. Krynn also worked for an Ottawa-based media company for 4 years in a business development capacity, bringing food and cooking shows produced in Ottawa to broadcasters worldwide.
As a service-oriented professional, Krynn loves meeting new people and developing relationships into long-lasting partnerships. She thrives on exceeding expectations and learning new skills.
Krynn has considered Ottawa home for the last 15+ years and loves to enjoy everything this city offers, including its many festivals and stellar outdoor hiking and skiing trails, specifically in Gatineau Park. When she’s not working, she enjoys traveling to faraway places and learning new languages, such as French and Spanish. A foodie at heart, Krynn constantly discovers new recipes and enjoys exploring Ottawa’s excellent and ever-evolving culinary scene with friends.
Trisha Richardson
Marketing & Partnerships Manager
Trisha comes to the Shaw Centre with a passion for hospitality. After moving out of her hometown of Vankleek Hill, Ontario, she obtained her diploma from Algonquin College’s Hospitality and Restaurant Management program.
From there, she spread her wings and moved to Kananaskis, Alberta. A little slice of heaven nestled in the mountains. After her west coast adventures, she decided it was time to further her education and pursued her honorary degree in Hospitality and Tourism from Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She then pursued a career in hospitality career here in Ottawa – a place she’s happy to call home.
Her career started at the Ottawa Marriott Hotel as the Sales and Marketing Coordinator. She learned the ins and outs of the hospitality industry here. Assisting her managers with sales initiatives and enhancing their social media platforms, it was in this role that Trisha discovered her passion for hospitality marketing. She joins the Shaw Centre with sheer excitement and can’t wait to learn and develop her skills.
Trisha ventures into the city in her spare time, discovering local events, new foodie scenes, and live music. On the weekends, she’s socializing with friends or travelling to her hometown to spend time on the family farm.
Monalisa Pedlar
Executive Assistant
Mona has had an interesting journey, beginning in Quezon City, Philippines, and immigrating to Canada as a toddler.
Mona has worked in various industries in administrative roles, including Telecommunications, Manufacturing, Healthcare and Post-Graduate Education. Her current position at the Shaw Centre is her first in the Hospitality and Tourism sector. Mona finds her work in administration fulfilling as she genuinely enjoys helping others.
Mona recently relocated to Gananoque, Ontario, from the GTA where she plans to make her permanent residence with her husband. She enjoys the beauty of the Thousand Islands and spends much of her free time with her new grandson. She is an avid Formula 1 fan and hopes to one day watch a race at the Silverstone Circuit in England. Mona also considers herself a big foodie and enjoys cooking and entertaining her family and friends.
Blake Rainville
Senior Manager of Facilities
Blake has been with the Shaw Centre since it first re-opened in 2011 as the Ottawa Convention Centre (formerly known as the Ottawa Congress Centre), where he first held the position of Maintenance Operator.
He’s since grown with the organization as a Technical Services Manager, ensuring a safe environment for all Shaw Centre staff and clients. He now holds the Senior Manager of Facilities role, managing the Centre’s housekeeping, engineering, uniform, and linen teams.
Blake has a Building Environmental Systems Operator Class 2 Certificate from Algonquin College, a Facilities Management Certificate (FMC), and is working towards completing a Facilities Management Administrator (FMA) designation from BOMI Canada.
Drew McCoy
Manager of Facilities
Born and raised in the Hamilton area, Drew grew up on a dairy farm and helped run various family businesses until 2005, when he moved away to attend an Industrial Engineering program at Mohawk College.
After finishing college, he moved to Vancouver in 2008, lived, worked, and played in Vancouver, BC, until 2011, when returning to Ontario. In 2013 Drew settled in Ottawa and started working as a Building Operator at the Ottawa Marriott. In 2019 he attended the Building Environmental Systems Operator course at Algonquin College, which he completed in early 2021.
In late 2020 he started with the engineering department at the Shaw Centre as the work control assistant, where he managed the scheduling of contractors and keeping them on schedule. He also assisted the engineering staff with completing tasks and advised the team when any issues arose. He was promoted to Manager of Facilities in August of 2022. He manages the engineering, housekeeping, linen, and receiving departments in this new role.
Drew enjoys the outdoors in his spare time and takes advantage of the parks in the Ottawa area, either hiking or stand-up paddleboarding in the summer. During the winter, he enjoys going downhill skiing or ice skating.
Ngozi Iloabuchi
Human Resource Manager
Ngozi was born and raised in Nigeria, where she earned her law degree and practiced for four years.
In 2010 she obtained a Master’s Degree in Human Resource Management from Bradford University in England. She holds the Certified Human Resource Professional designation from HRPA in Ontario.
She loves HR and has been fortunate to grow her professional network across several countries. She worked in various HR capacities serving businesses in the financial service, manufacturing, not-for-profit, and supply chain industries.
Before joining the Shaw Centre, Ngozi worked with Walmart Canada as a People Business Partner, growing the talent pipeline while driving business initiatives for continuous improvement in one of the Ontario distribution centers.
Ngozi considers herself an extrovert who enjoys making social connections and learning from people. She has a wanderlust gene and cherishes every opportunity to see the world’s diversity. When she’s not creating relationships, she volunteers for causes of interest and serves on the United Way/Centraide Stormont-Dundas & Glengarry board. Cooking is her therapy session and artistic expression. In her spare time, she devotes time to her family. You will find them taking walks, visiting parks, cycling, or discovering adventures together while creating lasting memories.
Greg Giek
Events Services Manager
Greg was born and raised in rural Ottawa in the small town of Manotick. Over the years, Greg enjoyed watching his hometown grow into a beautiful metropolitan community. He loves the region and has pursued his career here in Ottawa.
After graduating from Carleton University, Greg entered a career in Event Management, focusing on sports and live entertainment. Culminating almost 30 years of event management experience, he has held various roles across several major facilities and organizations in Ottawa, including OHL, CFL and NHL.
Greg brings tremendous knowledge and experience in all aspects of events and operations. He is well-versed in trade, consumer, and social events. Greg prides himself on his superior attention to detail while delivering excellent customer service. He thrives in the hustle and bustle of the event planning industry, and his proven leadership skills have led him to execute successful events.
When Greg isn’t busy creating extraordinary experiences, you’ll find him enjoying the great outdoors. A wilderness enthusiast, Greg spends his free time kayaking, hiking, skiing, snowboarding, and doing other social sports as the seasons permit.
Kyla Orr
Event Services Manager
Kyla was born and raised in Collingwood, Ontario, in the Blue Mountains. Her optimistic spirit and passion for working with people have led her to pursue a career in hospitality.
She excelled as a student at Georgian College, where she completed her advanced diploma in Hotel and Resort Administration Management.
After graduating, the mountains called Kyla, and she moved to Banff, Alberta. In her five years there, she flourished and gained invaluable experience in food and beverage operations for top-tier establishments such as the Fairmont Banff Springs and the Canadian Rocky Mountain Resorts.
After her ventures on Canada’s west coast, Kyla moved closer to family and friends. She earned a job with the Ottawa Marriott as an Event Manager, where she grew her skills and fell in love with the Capital as her new home.
When Kyla isn’t creating her next event, she enjoys snuggling up on the couch with a nice glass of wine while she plans her next vacation!
Jawad Alami
Event Services Manager
Jawad was born and raised in Tangier, Morocco. At a young age, he was always curious about travelling the globe to explore countries, cultures, cuisines, and architecture. His passion for travel led him to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in Operational Management of Hotels and Restaurants and a Master’s Degree in Strategy and Management of Hotel Operations.
He took full advantage of his studies and started his career in event planning as a Sales Executive at Mövenpick Hotels in Morocco in 2015. After moving to work with a national hotel brand, he had the opportunity to travel to different countries around the globe (Spain, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Italy, Czech Republic, Qatar, and Morocco to name a few). He presented and promoted the countries as tourist destinations and his employer at worldwide events.
He relocated to Ottawa in 2020 and worked as a Sales and Event Supervisor for Bytown Catering. He planned various events, primarily weddings, and excitedly shared the six years of event planning knowledge he acquired around the globe.
Outside work, he enjoys discovering the rest of Canada and capturing his finds through photography. His passion for cuisine brings him to restaurants and bars to uncover new dishes. He also enjoys watching sports, specifically basketball, soccer, and hockey.
Heidi Danson
Event Services Manager
Born and raised in Ottawa, Heidi graduated from Algonquin College with a Diploma in Business Administration, majoring in Marketing, before heading off to Cape Breton University to complete her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing.
Heidi returned to Ottawa after graduation and worked in the not-for-profit sector while completing her Wedding Planners certificate from the Wedding Planners Institute of Canada and her Social Media Certificate from Algonquin College.
While Heidi has worked in administration, marketing, and advocacy, her passion has always been event planning. She spent the last ten years working at the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa, planning and overseeing all major events, including an international women’s conference in Jerusalem. At the diocese, she designed a provincial-wide meeting and the annual AGMs, curated online and hybrid events, and grew their online presence through successful social media campaigns.
A charitable mindset was ingrained in Heidi from a young age. When she isn’t working, she often volunteers in the Ottawa community. Heidi has volunteered with the Ottawa Police Cadet Corps for over 20 years, receiving multiple awards for her dedication. In 2015, Heidi launched the Women Helping Women Purse Project, where she gathered purses filled with various products, specifically feminine hygiene products, and donated them to Ottawa’s most vulnerable population. Thanks to her connections to the Ottawa Police, they offered their space and support, and the project grew to donate over 4,000 filled purses each year for three years. Heidi also sits on the Board of Directors for Kid-Safe Productions, which offers drama workshops and performances about kids’ mental health in a post-pandemic world.
Heidi enjoys spending her free time with her husband and dogs while exploring nature and travelling locally. In the winter, Heidi is usually on her snowmobile or hiking through the snow-covered trails. In the warmer months, Heidi enjoys playing softball, stand-up paddling, and visiting local community events.
Georgia Gauthier
Event Services Manager
Georgia originates from Kingston, Ontario, where the majority of her family resides. Her journey led her to Humber College in Toronto, where she pursued Funeral Service, graduating in 2007. With a dedicated start as an apprentice and junior funeral director, Georgia honed her skills before relocating to Ottawa in 2009, where she dedicated herself to the funeral industry for the past 14 years.
Throughout her tenure, Georgia found a passion for logistics and planning within the funeral service. However, with the onset of the pandemic and the arrival of her daughter in 2019, Georgia sought a transition into larger-scale events and corporate venues, seeking new challenges and opportunities.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Georgia finds joy in daily yoga and long walks, relishing the opportunity to be active and embrace the outdoors. She cherishes active moments with her four-year-old daughter, whether enjoying playtime in the park or engaging in backyard adventures.
Family holds a special place in Georgia’s heart, whether embarking on travels together, reconnecting with loved ones outside of Ottawa, or unwinding at the cottage. Additionally, Georgia’s affection for feline companionship shines through, as she shares her home with two beloved cats.
Ajeena Alias
Event Services Manager
Ajeena was born and raised in Kerala in the south end of India. She moved to Canada in 2018 and completed a post-graduate diploma with honours in Event Management and Marketing Management at Algonquin College.
Her passion for events started as a hobby and into part-time employment as a floral designer, which gradually turned into an event design business. Since the start of her career, Ajeena has independently conducted over 60 events in India with unique event designs. In 2014, she was selected among the top 10 women entrepreneur by the Times of India.
Ajeena first stepped foot into the Shaw Centre as a volunteer for the annual wedding show in 2018 as a part of her event management program, which opened the path to her hospitality career in Canada. She assisted many leading wedding planners in Ottawa and gained more than three years of hands-on experience in the wedding industry. Returning to the Shaw Centre and being a part of their outstanding team is considered one of the most incredible moments in her life.
When she’s not planning events, she spends her spare time travelling with her husband and exploring Canada’s scenic and cultural landmarks. She considers herself a social butterfly who likes spending time with her family, friends, and community.
Lee King
Application Support Analyst
Lee was born and raised in Ottawa and has been lucky enough to call the city home her entire life. She is one of the Shaw Centre’s longest-standing employees – committed to the company for over 22 years.
She’s worked in various positions, such as the Account Coordinator role, where she provided administrative support to the Sales and Marketing Teams. She then pursued a Senior Administrative job, supporting the Vice President and Sales Director.
She found her true passion within the Finance department. Lee is responsible for the financial aspects of receivables. Her extensive knowledge of the building and company has championed her as our property management system expert, and she has mastered the entire database. Lee maintains the database to ensure its functionality for all users and trains new staff on the system.
You’ll find her in the wilderness camping with her husband and daughter when she’s not maintaining the database or tracking receivables. Lee has a passion for travel, and she enjoys enduring new experiences. She’s a kid at heart, so if there’s a theme park nearby, you can bet she’s there too!
Gabrielle Plesko
Event Services Coordinator
Gabrielle was born and raised in London, Ontario.
Fluently bilingual in French and English, she pursued her education away from home in Ottawa, ON, at La Cité College in the Public Relations program. To further her education, she obtained a certification in event planning. Joining the Shaw Center as their Event Services Coordinator is a new and exciting chapter in her young professional career.
Outside of work, her love for music keeps her busy as she is a classically trained pianist. In addition to her passion for music, Gabrielle enjoys cooking and baking treats for her close friends and family. You can find her relaxing with a nice book in a big comfy chair at the end of a long day.
Kaasi Muthiah
Sales Coordinator
Kaasi was born and raised in Chennai, located in the south of India. Home to the second largest beach in the world, Marina Beach, where Kaasi spent most of his childhood playing soccer and feasting on street food.
He completed his Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Chennai and then moved to Ottawa to pursue his graduate diploma in Marketing Management and Sports Business Management from Algonquin College.
Most of his experience was gained from his internships with the Ottawa Sports Entertainment Group in Business Intelligence, where he worked on gameday operations and supported account managers from ticketing to marketing administration. At Archery Canada, he set up fundraisers for the NPO. In his role as a Property Manager within a real estate company, Kaasi gained in-depth knowledge of the residential and hospitality industries.
Outside of work, Kaasi is a passionate sports fan! He spends most of his time watching soccer and F1 and participates in an amateur league throughout the week. He enjoys travelling locally and keeps himself busy by planning trips!
Heather Lyall
Graphic Design Coordinator
Heather has lived her whole life in Ottawa. She graduated with an Advanced Diploma in Graphic Design from Algonquin College.
Her freelance career involved working with companies such as Fireball, Nordstrom, and 604 Records. One of her most significant accomplishments was contributing to the social media marketing of Grammy award nominee Josh Ramsay’s debut solo record. She has created various works, including posters, logos, motion graphics, and annual reports.
When Heather isn’t designing, she’s at her favourite artists’ concerts or home watching the latest true crime documentary.
Sharon Cholette
Administrative Coordinator
Sharon grew up in Mississauga, Ontario, and various other provinces throughout her childhood and eventually claimed Ottawa as her place to call home.
She started her career in retail, but after taking a course in business administration, she decided to pursue a different career path. She’s worked in organizations such as the Ottawa Life Sciences Council, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, and Mortgage Brokers of Ottawa.
Sharon has dedicated almost 14 years of her professional life to the Shaw Centre and has worked through the transition from the Ottawa Convention Centre to the rebuilding of the current Shaw Centre. In her time at the Centre, she’s worked in various administrative roles supporting the sales team and ensuring all administrative duties are completed efficiently and effectively.
She loves to spend time at the cottage with her two daughters, family, and friends. Sharon loves to relax and snuggle up on the couch with her cat Jack and a good documentary!